Tees for Two Activewear™

Odd(s)

Like any other, my undergrad program required a wealth of wonderful and inspiring courses, peppered with a few specific mandatory classes. The most dreaded, for me, math hater extraordinaire? Statistics. I was grateful to find I could select one of several stats classes, ranging from Math and Business to Psychology. Easy peasy… I’m picking Psych. How difficult could it be? Case closed, call me certifiable, thank you kindly for the “A,” Mr. Psych Prof. Cut to several long months later and I’m receiving the worst grade of my college career, a passing score due solely to the generosity of a patient classmate and a whole lot of luck (statistical irony aside!).

 
Growing up, I always considered myself a lucky person. No million dollar lottery tickets to speak of, but I'd win door prizes or get picked from the crowd at magic shows. I’d escaped many slings and arrows of young life, like acne and speeding tickets.

Many years later, the polish seemed to dull on good ol’ fashioned “luck.” Infertility made me grow up. I learned first-hand that statistics are statistics for a reason. And it hurt. Lots.

For many infertile Myrtles, odds can be a haunting specter or buoy of hope. Before sperm ever meets egg, the landslide of numbers can be overwhelming. After a recent “birds and bees” primer, a good guy friend admitted he was amazed anyone gets pregnant!

Odds. Chances. Risks. Heartbreaks. Losses. Gains.

I still hate math.

 
Most women breathe a sigh of relief if they remain pregnant after the hallowed twelfth week. I wasn’t so lucky, miscarrying most recently in my second trimester. While consoling our loss, my doctor offered a timely statistic: 97% of pregnancies will survive when a heartbeat is detected. Completely spent and grasping for levity, I remarked loudly, “We’re in the 3%! Well, aren’t we exceptional!”

So my sense of humor is… complicated. But not as complicated as the odds of pregnancy. Look too deeply and you can become completely buried. Positive benchmarks can be overtaken by “what ifs” and “why nots?”

 

 

Sometimes, and for me, this time… the odds can be wonderfully, joyfully, peacefully good. I’m grateful to be 39 weeks pregnant with our second child. While I won’t feel completely at ease until we're counting beautiful fingers and toes, I love our odds… even if I now find myself Googling “odds of beating insufferable water retention” and “odds baby will be born before due date!”

On this sunny spring afternoon, I hope my expecting readers and Tees for Two customers are unburdened by weighty odds and statistics and studies… instead, finding large and small miracles each and every day.

Love your mother ~

I Double Heart Tina Fey

Ok, ok... call it a cop out if you want... but I'm "borrowing" an excerpt from one of my favorite writers for today's blog post. I'm unsure if it's the 37+wk prego blues or the fact my studious husband has completely monopolized our laptop for the last week (something about a really important career-altering research paper, blah blah blah)... but I'm feeling uncreative. And I adore Tina Fey. So here goes.

As originally posted on the "She Knows Parenting" website, I present... an excerpt from Ms. Fey's new book, "Bossypants" -- pure comedy brilliance! 

"THE MOTHER'S PRAYER FOR ITS DAUGHTER"

"First, Lord: No tattoos. May neither Chinese symbol for truth nor Winnie-the-Pooh holding the FSU logo stain her tender haunches. 

May she be Beautiful but not Damaged, for it’s the Damage that draws the creepy soccer coach’s eye, not the Beauty. 

When the Crystal Meth is offered, May she remember the parents who cut her grapes in half and stick with Beer. 

Guide her, protect her 

When crossing the street, stepping onto boats, swimming in the ocean, swimming in pools, walking near pools, standing on the nearby subway platform, crossing 86th Street, stepping off of boats, using mall restrooms, getting on and off escalators, driving on country roads while arguing, leaning on large windows, walking in parking lots, riding Ferris wheels, roller-coasters, log flumes, or anything called “Hell Drop,” “Tower of Torture,” or “The Death Spiral Rock N’ Zero G Roll featuring Aerosmith,” and standing on any kind of balcony ever, anywhere, at any age. 

Lead her away from Acting but not all the way to Finance. 

Something where she can make her own hours but still feel intellectually fulfilled and get outside sometimes.

And not have to wear high heels. 

What would that be, Lord? Architecture? Midwifery? Golf course design? I’m asking You because if I knew, I’d be doing it, Youdammit. 

May she play the Drums to the fiery rhythm of her Own Heart with the sinewy strength of her Own Arms, so she need Not Lie With Drummers. 

Grant her a Rough Patch from twelve to seventeen. 

Let her draw horses and be interested in Barbies for much too long, 

For Childhood is short -- a Tiger Flower blooming 

Magenta for one day -- 

And Adulthood is long and Dry-Humping in Cars will wait. 

O Lord, break the Internet forever, 

That she may be spared the misspelled invective of her peers 

And the online marketing campaign for “Rape Hostel V: Girls Just Wanna Get Stabbed.” 

And when she one day turns on me and calls me a Bitch in front of Hollister, 

Give me the strength, Lord, to yank her directly into a cab in front of her friends, 

For I will not have that Shit. I will not have it. 

And should she choose to be a Mother one day, be my eyes, Lord, 

That I may see her, lying on a blanket on the floor at 4:50 a.m., all-at-once exhausted, bored, and in love with the little creature whose poop is leaking up its back. 

“My mother did this for me once,” she will realize as she cleans feces off her baby’s neck. 

“My mother did this for me.” And the delayed gratitude will wash over her as it does each generation and she will make a Mental note to call me. And she will forget. 

But I’ll know, because I peeped it with Your God eyes. 

Amen."

 
A (hopefully somewhat original) blog post from yours truly is coming soon... promise promise! Until then, have a fit and funny rest-of-the-week, my Tees for Two readers! ~

Shoot Me

I love photography. And great photographers. I have no photographic talent myself so I have a special affinity for those with wicked-smart picture skills. I’ve been very fortunate in both my professional and personal lives to work with the very best (Joey, Carrie and Beth … that means YOU!).  I’ll be the first to spend bookoo bucks for professional newborn pics and I encourage family photos whenever possible… but I’ve never been a fan of maternity photography. 

At the risk of alienating my customer base, it’s always been my opinion that maternity photography is… well… cheesy (please forgive!!). Commissioning photographs for the sole purpose of hand-on-belly, wistful-anticipationful-dreamy couple shots seemed overpriced and overblown. I probably have three or four snapshots that prove I was actually pregnant with my son, and at the time, that seemed three or four too many. I mean, really… unless you look like Demi Moore, does anyone REALLY need a life-size canvas of full-frontal pregnantness hanging above their mantel? 

On a deeper level -- considering my own pregnancy losses and the fertility heartbreaks of friends and family -- maternity photography also seemed… braggy. Self-indulgent. For those who have not or will not achieve the pregnant form, it seemed kind of hurtful. 

That is, until my recent maternity photo shoot with Beth from Ludwig Photography. 

I went into the endeavor with much trepidation. Did I pick the right clothes? Should I really show my naked belly? Will the lumps and bumps I’ve hidden for months rear their ugly lumpy-bumpiness on film? Insecurity aside, I wondered if I’d look at my proofs and see a self-immersed, it’s all about ME mom-to-be like those I’d secretly judged from afar. 

Instead, I saw something amazing. I saw a very personal, peaceful me… and I realized my photographer captured a moment I’ll never see again in my lifetime. The day of my photo session I was 39 and 57 days old, and 33 weeks, five days pregnant with my second and last child, a daughter. How better can I set an example for my little girl, but to document my own size, shape and wrinkles if she decides to start a family someday? 

I realized I’ve been a hypocrite in my efforts to encourage all moms to “Love Your Mother” by living for the moment and embracing our changing bodies regardless of the treatments or harsh odds or perilous challenges that led to pregnancy and motherhood. Documenting pregnancy isn’t an affront to our sisters in infertility… it’s an air “high five” for beating the odds and creating your own special kind of miracle. 

The day I met Beth, my opinion of maternity photography changed. Regardless of insecurities or shyness or personal modesty, my maternity photo session was a very special way to capture an exceptionally-fleeting moment in time.  A very personal way to “Love Your Mother!” (thank you, Beth!!) 

So… all you mothers-to-be out there… if you’ve not already done so, please consider a maternity photo session! Here are a few recommendations: 

- Seek advice from trusted friends and family re: talented photographers in your local area. If your budget is a concern, ask family and friends to contribute to your photography session in lieu of a traditional baby registry (particularly for second or third children).

- Explore your comfort zone. I wasn’t too keen on my exposed pregnant belly, but my photographer was patient and kind and amazingly captured me in the most flattering way possible.

- If you want to share your photos in social media or on a giant canvas above your mantel, DO! If you don’t, even better (ha!). This is your personal moment with your baby, so consider combining your pregnancy pictures with a few fresh-outta-the-oven newborn shots in a matted frame. Perfect for the nursery!

- If a professional photographer isn’t an option, ask to borrow a good camera from a friend or neighbor. Visit professional photography sites or even your fav gossip mag for ideas on how to pose to enhance your curvy assets while camouflaging others. Celebrities have it down pat – one hand under belly, one leg slightly in front of the other, shoulders back and standing tall.  Enlist your partner as photographer! You’ll make memories you’ll cherish forever.

Please share your thoughts!! And don't forget our outrageous spring special, now through this weekend... enjoy 25% any Tees for Two Fitnesswear or "Love Your Mother" purchase!

With sunshine and best wishes for a fit and healthful farewell to March,

Chris

 
 

Yipppeeee... it's SPRING!

 
Not to be a big ol' baby but this has been the longest winter I can recall in ages! To honor the new season of green, we're offering our most generous shopping discounts to date.

Visit our Etsy shop, enter "SPRING" at checkout and receive a whopping 25% off your Tees for Two order, now through March 31st!!

Don't forget... "Like" us on Facebook and enjoy special deals throughout the year!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tees-for-Two-Activewear/145278395499609

Many thanks and best wishes for a fit and healthful SPRING!

 

“And you are…?”

I feel like the rudest blog writer EVER. Seriously! Three weeks ago, I jumped into blogging with both feet (currently attached via swollen ankles) with nary a “how de do?” or welcome introduction to the tens (nay, MILLIONS!) of you on the other side of my trusty wireless link. Where’s the decorum? My word, my manners! Emily Post would be mortified, I’m sure.

Dearest blog reader(s): please forgive. For those of you who don’t know me personally, here’s a quick rundown of yours truly.

My name is Chris. I was raised a U.S. Army “brat,” joined the Army post-college and I’m currently married to a dashing active duty Army Soldier (ok, I’m biased… but he is quite a hottie!).

I left Army service in 2002 and parlayed my background into a variety of jobs ranging from TSA security guard (bad) to pharmaceutical rep (good) and U.S. Army civilian employee (great!). My favorite job... forgive the cliché... is wife and mom, altho my role as newly-reinspired entrepreneur is gaining momentum.

Which leads me to why I’ve created this blog.

Fair warning… my writing style is somewhat conversational (aka, at times, difficult to follow) and I have a fondness for parentheses, commas and the occasional SAT word, but I hope you’ll continue to “follow" us as I navigate the world of small business ownership while sharing anecdotal tidbits about motherhood, fitness and life married to the military… peppered with an occasional rant or recipe. If Facebook is your fancy, please visit us and become a fan. Lastly, if you’re in the mood to shop, take a gander at our storefront ‘cause who doesn’t love an Etsy diversion in the middle of an otherwise productive day! If you’re unfamiliar, be prepared to lose a few hours ‘cause Etsy is decidedly addictive!

So… there it is. Three weeks later than polite or proper… welcome!

Inspired

Moving often with the military is difficult but it does provide a few wonderful perks… exhaustive “spring cleaning” every few years, the opportunity to visit exotic places, and closest to my heart… meeting a new and diverse array of friends everywhere we go. One such new friend is Carolyn, a mother of two beautiful girls and fellow fitness freak (in the most positive “freak” way, of course!).

Only recently did I learn of Carolyn’s difficult road to motherhood. Per Carolyn’s blog, Home is Where the Army Sends Us:

“Diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer at the ages of 15 (right ovary) and 22 (left ovary) I had a radical hysterectomy and was left with the inability to bear children or have a biological child. My husband and I decided that we would look into adoption but felt it wasn't what we were looking for, but when we learned of Surrogacy we KNEW we were at the right place! Our story is a quick one as I discovered Surrogate Mothers Online (SMO) and posted my first questions "where do I go and how does all this work?" I got a reply from an angel with some guidance and direction... little did we know that we were being led to each other. After a few weeks of emailing, talking on the phone and becoming fast friends we decided that we would work together. She is everything and more than we could have asked for!”

 

 

In a recent Facebook post, Carolyn wrote: “For those of you who want to work out but just haven't made that plunge… let me share. I seriously get high from my workouts. My drive home from the gym is more like a float home, seriously high off endorphins. Even the days I want to sit on my butt and watch TV all day, I make myself go and afterward, I feel 1000% better. No kidding! So get out there and DO IT!! You will LOVE yourself even more after!”

I asked Carolyn if I could borrow her inspirational words for a mid-week boost. She graciously agreed!

Way to “Love Your Mother,” Carolyn! Thank you for inspiring me and so many others ~

 

 

Powerful

Whether you’ve become a mother without intervention, with fertility treatments, by adoption or through marriage… motherhood has its own miraculous power, stretching us to limits we never thought we’d reach, building endurance through patience and love, and strengthening our hearts and minds as we negotiate the ups and downs of our fertile (and sometimes not-so-fertile) bodies. It’s an emotionally and physically taxing business. Who hasn’t noticed an over-developed left bicep from hoisting an unruly toddler in an underarm carry… or felt the flex of strong shoulders when lofting children into car seats?

Motherhood is powerful. YOU are powerful!!

I’m an American Council on Exercise (ACE) certified personal trainer and exercise has been a big part of my life for over 25 years… ever since I hung up my “Husky” sized jeans and joined my middle school’s fledgling track team back in the uh… ahem… 80’s.

In the years that have passed, my interests have fluctuated from running to strength training and yoga, but as much as I love a good “runner’s high” and the burn of a heated power yoga session… I always return to weights. In all honesty, it could just be my physical make-up. I’ve been at my leanest and most toned when training exclusively with weights (no cardio whatsoever). I’ll never be a star runner or practiced yogi, and while I enjoy both immensely… weight training makes me feel powerful, even on my weakest days!

Weights give me power in my walk, my posture and my general disposition. When I’ve trained well and often, I enjoy feeling lean in my clothes and I like knowing I can “lift heavy things” should the need arise.

  Recent studies prove weight training offers exceptionally unique health benefits for women, fending off bone loss in later years and enabling muscle maintenance through menopause and beyond. Yet, stroll past most weight rooms and you’ll see very few women pumping iron. Over-buffed machismo “trainers” and sweaty, testosterone-scented free weights and cables are like Kryptonite for most of us. Many women opt instead for safety in numbers in group classes or endless fields of mind-numbing elliptical trainers.

Sometimes, it makes me mad. The very women who balance work, home, relationships and children with effortless strength and flexibility are all too often daunted by mere dumbbells, meatheads and mirrors. Misconceptions about gaining weight or physical mass intimidate future Jillians from taking their rightful place on the bench. To that I say BAH! I pursued my personal training certification with the express purpose of motivating women to enter our nation’s weight rooms and demand our due equal space among the bulging biceps.

Don’t get me wrong… if you’ve got the motivation to get to the gym or take a lap around the block, I hugely applaud your efforts! But the next time you’re enroute to your regularly scheduled Step-aerobica-lates class, be powerful. Challenge your comfort zone! Unleash your inner Xena Warrior Princess! Ask your fitness facility's trainer (or any strong, fit woman you see in the weight room) for a bit of advice and begin or enhance your current strength training regimen.

 

Your body (and your children!) will thank you for it.

 

p.s. If you're expecting and you've trained with weights prior to pregnancy... don't stop now! As long as you're a low-risk mama-to-be, weight training is a great way to keep your core and limbs strong for labor, delivery and motherhood beyond. Just be sure to follow the basic rules of maternity fitness: consult your OB, keep cool, drop your usual weight by at least 5lbs, limit supine (on your back) exercises of any kind and listen to your body.

 

 

Plunge Update

I know many of you have been waiting with breathless anticipation for DAYS, losing hours of blessed sleep, plagued with curiosity, wondering if I actually had the cajones to attempt the "Polar Plunge" this past Saturday.  HELLO!!!  Of COURSE I plunged!  Just check out the photo below for rock solid proof:

 
* See artistic depiction prego woman on far left, waving madly (courtesy of PhotoShop).

So... yeah.  I chickened out.  Call it lack of chutzpah or just plain fear of early labor… I opted for the comfort of my sofa and left the plunging to the plunge experts.  And experts they were, as evidenced by these beautiful photos by Todd Philip Photography!

Per event coordinator Corin at Project Sweet Peas, 27 brave souls took to the waves while 130 guests partook in the Post-Plunge Party.  A very successful inaugural event!

The giving doesn't stop here, tho... if you have room in your hearts and pockets to support a charity this year, please consider Project Sweet Peas and Gabriel's Gift.  Tees for Two will continue to be a proud sponsor and keep you apprised of future fund-raising efforts.

Have a great Monday!

 

Taking the PLUNGE!

Hellooo and welcome to Tees for Two Activewear’s very FIRST blog entry!

(applause, applause, standing ovation? oh no, no… please, no flowers!)

After almost three years in the biz, we’ve finally joined the 21^st century.  :).  I hope to snazzify and personalize our format in the weeks to come… so please stay posted for updates!

I can think of no better event to kick off our blog than this Saturday’s first annual Project Sweet Peas “Polar Plunge.”  It’s guaranteed to be a fabulous affair, even if the weatherman’s predicting highs in the 30’s and “breezy” conditions (as a New England transplant, I’ve recently learned “breezy” really means “hold on to your hat, Sally, you’re in for some WIND!”).

Per the Plunge website, here’s the skinny:

• WHEN:  Saturday, February 19, 2011 at 3pm
• WHERE:  George's of Galilee Beach, 250 Sand Hill Cove Road, in the lovely town of Narragansett, RI.
• WHY:  To support Project Sweet Peas, a non-profit organization providing desperately needed and much-appreciated care packages for families with children in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).  Project Sweet Peas works with hospitals locally and nationwide to provide patients and families with items to aid them throughout their stay, offering comfort while building cherished memories. 

Polar Plunge festivities include a Post Plunge Party at George's of Galilee Restaurant with a buffet style dinner, live music, raffles, prizes and much, much more!

Plunge participants must raise a minimum of $50 in pledges. Every pre-registered Plunger will receive a Project Sweet Peas Polar Plunge T-shirt and a free dinner ticket.  Spectators are just as welcome! Tickets are available online or at the door. If you can't attend, please consider a donation to Project Sweet Peas at www.projectsweetpeas.com.

As we’ve mentioned, all proceeds go to Project Sweet Peas.  Tickets for non-Plungers are $16 in advance and $20 at the door.  Children 4-10 can attend for just $10 per person.  Children 3 and under eat free!

Interested? Of COURSE you are!  Visit www.projectsweetpeas.com for more about Project Sweet Peas or www.pspplunge.com for more information about the Plunge.

Tees for Two is a proud sponsor of this event!! Please join us in support of a tremendous cause.

Until next post…

Best wishes for a fit and healthful weekend!

Chris